How Popular (or Rare) was Nelly in 2016?

🇺🇸 United States • Girl

← Back to Search
#1,938
2016 Rank
104
2016 Births
#1,209
Best Rank (2007)
208
Peak Year (2007)
4,151
Total Births (1996-2025)
1 in 17,034
Rarity Factor (2016)

📊 The Nelly Story

Nelly is a distinctive girls' name in United States, ranking #1938 in 2016 with 104 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 2007 with 208 births ranking #1209. In 2016, approximately 1 in every 17,034 girls born was named Nelly. RISING Recent data shows the name is currently rising.

Popularity Trend (1996–2025)

📅 Data Status: Official verified statistics are currently available from 1996 up to 2025. This report reflects the most recent confirmed data from United States; 2026 and 2027 projections are based on real-time search trends and will be finalized upon the next official release.

Name Meaning & Origin

Origin: Variant spelling of Nellie  |  Meaning: light or shining one in one route; other parent-name routes also exist

Nelly is a lively variant of Nellie with the same cosy vintage energy. Its deeper meaning depends on the longer name family behind it, often Eleanor or Helen-based.

This spelling has been used for a long time in both affectionate and formal contexts. It keeps the antique charm of Nellie with a slightly brisker modern look.

Did you know?Nelly and Nellie show how old nickname forms can support more than one standard spelling over time.
Similar namesNellie, Nell, Millie, Molly, Elsie

👥 People Also Viewed (Similar Rank in 2016)

Kaira
Rank #1,937 • 104 births
Raniyah
Rank #1,939 • 104 births
Justine
Rank #1,936 • 104 births
Try Our Baby Name Popularity Tool - It's Free